COURAGE
Matthew 14:22–33
Today’s session deals with courage. That great theologian-actor John Wayne said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.”
Nelson Mandela said, “Courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it.”
In our passage, Peter demonstrates great courage as he steps out of a boat and walks on water. He trusted the word of Jesus. He is an excellent example to us.
Jesus’ Presence (22–27)
Matthew 14 begins with the sad account of the death of John the Baptist. That tragic event is followed by the feeding of the 5,000. After a miraculous but exhausting day, Jesus needed some quiet time with the Father, so He sent the disciples ahead of Him across the Sea of Galilee to Gennesaret while He headed up to a mountain to pray.
As evening came, these experienced fishermen found themselves fighting for their lives in the midst of a storm. The Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake in the world at 700 feet below sea level. The hills surrounding it act as a wind tunnel and funnel strong winds to the lake, causing storms to spring up suddenly. In the middle of the night, the disciples were floundering in the storm, fearing for their lives.
When all seemed lost, Jesus came to them in the storm. Incredibly, He was walking on the water. The terrified disciples thought He was a ghost. Did He see them from the mountaintop? Did He know they were in such a desperate situation? The wonderful truth is that Jesus showed up in their hour of need. And He still does that today. Can you recall a time when Jesus showed up in your hour of need?
Jesus’ Invitation (28–30)
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus went to find His “sheep.” He assuaged their terror with the words, “Don’t be afraid.” Peter, the brash and bold disciple, showed courage by asking Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water. Jesus said, “Come.” To the amazement of the other disciples, Peter climbed out of the boat and began walking on the water. While he kept his focus on Jesus, Peter was able to stay above the waves. However, when he lost his focus and became distracted by the wind and the storm, Peter began to sink.
John Ortberg wrote a book titled “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.” Faith requires action.
If Jesus asks you to do something, are you ready to trust Him? Are you ready to “get out of the boat”?
Jesus’ Response (31–33)
Peter displayed great courage by stepping out of the security of the boat and into the unknown. Even though Peter’s faith fell short, Jesus responded by reaching down and lifting him up. Jesus rebuked Peter for his doubts and lack of faith.
He steadied Peter on the water until they got back to the boat. When they returned to the boat, the storm immediately subsided. While some may judge Peter for his faith failure, he is the only person (aside from Jesus) who has ever walked on water.
Missionary William Carey said, “Attempt great things for God, expect great things from God.” Whenever God calls us to some demonstration of faith, He will be with us and will sustain us.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
